Getting there Kuala Lumpur is Malaysia's principal arrival gateway and central cross roads for bus, train or taxi travel.

International Flights

The massive new Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) was opened in 1998 to commercial traffic. Reputedly the world's largest airport, it is 43 km south of the city centre at Sepang it has state of the art facilities and two terminals which are linked by a 1.3 km rail shuttle system.

The old airport at Subang still operates though now handles domestic rather than international flights.

Provincial Flights

On the domestic network, KL is the hub of Malaysian Airline services and there are non-stop flights to many other Malaysian destinations. Cheaper night fares and advance purchase fares are applicable on some of the routes.

Malaysia and Singapore run a joint shuttle service between KL and Singapore. Tickets cost RM200 (incl. airport tax) and are sold on a stand-by basis. Many flight operate and one rarely waits longer than one hour.

Departure tax RM 45.00 per person is levied on passengers leaving Malaysia on international flights (inclusive of Singapore and Brunei). RM 6.00 per person is levied on passengers/take off on domestic flights.

Passport and Visas Visitors entering Malaysia must be in possession of a valid national passport or other internationally recognized travel documents. Visitors possessing travel documents not recognized by Malaysia must obtain a travel affidavit from the Malaysia Missions abroad.

Commonwealth citizens, British Protected Persons and nationals of Ireland, Liechtenstein, Netherlands, San Marino and Switzerland holding valid passports do not require visa. Tourists, both transit and non transit, possessing valid national passports recognized by the Malaysian Government can now visit the country for 14 days without a visa except national of the following countries: Albania, Chinese People's Republic, Vietnam, Mongolia, Cuba, Israel, North Korea, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.

Foreign ladies, who are in advance state of pregnancy, i.e. 6 months or more, are not allowed to enter Malaysia. Visitors, who do not comply with the requirements regarding general appearance and clothing, may not be allowed entry. Therefore dress cleanly and neatly if you're entering the country through the airport facilities and the impression you give will be appreciated.

Bus KL's main bus station is Puduraya, just east of Chinatown. From here buses depart for destinations throughout Malaysia including Singapore and Thailand. There are two other bus stations the Pekeliling and the Putra stations but most visitors find Puduraya more convenient. The only long distance destination that Puduraya doesn't handle are Kuala Lipis and Jerantut. To get to these places you will have to catch a bus from the Pekeliling bus station.

Trains The KTM national railway system is a popular choice of travel within Malaysia itself as well as for destinations farther afield. There are daily departures for Butterworth, Wakaf Bahru (Korta Bharu), Johor Bahru and Singapore. Trains also link with Shah Alam and Kelang in Selangor and Seremban in Negeri Sembilan.

Tickets can either be bought at the station itself or there is a KTM ticket booth on the concourse level of the Sungei Wang Plaza on Jalan Sultan Ismail which is open from 10 am to 6 pm.

City Trains operate on a regular basis and stop at city stations scattered throughout Kuala Lumpur. All trains pass through the historic Central Train Station at some point. It is of limited use to travelers though as it passes mainly through outlying urban areas, which are of little interest to the average visitor.

Monorail This 16 km line, officially called the 'People-Mover' Rapid Transport (PRT), comes into operation in 2003 and will run from Jalan Tun Razak, near Pekeliling bus station via the Golden Triangle to terminate at Kampung Pasir in the cities south-west. It will also connect with the Putra LRT at Sultan Ismail station and with the Star LRT at Hang Tuah station and there is another line linking KL Sentral (KL Grand Central) station with Tun Sambanthan PRT Station.

Taxi Long distance taxis depart from the 1st floor of the Puduraya bus station on a regular basis. If you are planning on sharing a taxi (to cut down costs) it is best to arrive at the taxi rank early in the morning to arrange your shared travel plans. It is cheaper to share costs as one rents the taxi rather than seat space. Depending on the distance prices should include toll charges but some taxi drivers particularly those on the route to Johor Bahru insist on charging extra.

Local taxis within Kuala Lumpur are reasonably priced, and only a few use meters. Generally around KL fares start at around RM2 for the first km and 10 sen for every 200 mtr thereafter. Luggage put in the boot costs about RM1 per trip. From midnight to 6 a.m. there is usually a surcharge of 50%.

Short fares around town cost about RM5 and should cost no more than RM10.

Car driving around the city has little benefit and it is just as easy to opt for public transport. If you are planning on traveling further afield or to the coastal areas, Kuala Lumpur is the place to rent a vehicle before departure. Costs are far lower than in other areas and the best deals for long term rental are to be found here. Prices range around the RM2500 mark for one month including insurance and unlimited km.

Motorbike These are reasonably priced, but as with many parts of Asia, probably not a good idea unless you are an experienced motorcyclist. The accident rate is reasonably high, though no where near as high as Thailand, so the risk is yours.